STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE IN THE EVENT OF A PIPE BURST
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
What should you do in the event of a pipe burst in your home or business?
Cracked, broken or bursting pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. Because of this, its very important to have the problem taken care of as quickly as possible to minimize secondary damage. It can be difficult to determine what to do in a high-stress situation like this, but the following steps will put you on the right path until SERVPRO arrives.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
One of the first things you want to do when you've experienced water to your home or business is to call your insurance agent. This will allow you to get the claims process started right away. It can be a lengthy process and the money you receive can help you pay to fix broken pipes and have repairs done. Your claim can also be denied if you take too long to report the damage.
2. Locate and Document Damage
When you make an insurance claim, an adjuster will need to inspect your home to determine the extent of the damage. While you are waiting for the visit, you can start making a list and taking pictures of damaged areas and belongings. The adjuster can use this information when working on your claim. Do not throw away affected items until you have documented and inventoried them, as these can provide proof of damage as well.
3. Have Mitigation Done
A busted water line can result in flooding in your home or business and, if it is not cleaned up quickly, it can lead to a lot of secondary damage. When exposed to moisture, mold can begin to grow in as little as a day and can easily spread to large areas. Excessive water can also absorb into building materials which will then need to be replaced if you delay in mitigating the damage.
If your home or business has been damaged as a result of a busted pipe, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO can perform mitigation quickly to minimize further damage. They can also make any necessary repairs and salvage many of your affected belongings to have your home looking as good as new.